As the long, hot days of summer begin to shorten, horse owners across Ontario start thinking about the transition to fall. While autumn brings cooler temperatures, beautiful riding conditions, and vibrant colours, it also signals important changes in a horse's nutritional needs, coat growth, and overall management.
Things started early at the show this year so that competitors could attend the Educational Clinic “How to Improve Your Dressage Scores” on Thursday afternoon. Enthusiastic clinic participants enjoyed the didactic teaching, walking the dressage tests and Q&A with Shelly Temple. A useful preparation for the following Combined Test Day, this clinic was held with the support of the American Driving Society - Hoopes Addis Education Trust.
August 23, 2026 - Aachen, Germany – The Para Dressage World Championships wrapped up Sunday morning with Musical Freestyles, with two Canadian representatives: Roberta Sheffield with Nardando, and Jody Schloss with El Colorado. Sheffield competes in Grade II, and Schloss in Grades I. Both finished in fifth place in their respective classes.
AJAX DOWNS, AUGUST 20, 2026 - Following this week's two competitive Trial dashes for the NORMAN PICOV DERBY at Ajax Downs, the $50,000-added final for the prestigious 3-year-old race, scheduled for September 9, is set to be a memorable one.
August 22, 2026 - Aachen, Germany – The Canadian Para dressage team completed their Grand Prix ‘B’ tests, the second phase of the team competition and final qualifier for the Freestyle to music taking place Sunday.
AJAX DOWNS, AUGUST 18, 2026 - A jam-packed nine-race card, including exciting Trial races for the finals of the Picov Derby and Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity, gets underway at AJAX DOWNS at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19. This is the final 'twilight' card of racing for 2026 as first race post time will revert to 12:55 p.m. for the remainder of the season.
Erin, Ontario - The Town of Erin Council unanimously passed a Notice of Motion on July 23, 2026, to support and grow the local equine economy. Introduced by Councillor Jamie Cheyne, the motion received strong support from the newly formed Ontario Horse Council through a presentation by Brian Tropea, General Manager of the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA).
BROMONT, QC, August 15, 2026 – Lauren Nicholson (USA) heads into Sunday’s cross-country holding both first and second place in the Kingsleigh Equine CCI4-S following dressage and show jumping Saturday at the Bromont CCI-S Horse Trials.
Ottawa, Ontario – For the second year in a row, Adrienne Sternlicht of the United States won the $185,000 USD RBC Grand Prix, the featured event of the CSI4* Ottawa International show jumping tournament at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, ON.
August 15, 2026 - Aachen, Germany – Saturday was cross-country day for the Eventing Competition at the FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany. Canada’s Jessica Phoenix (Cannington, ON) and Fluorescent Adolescent galloped around clear and with 12-time faults to sit in 36th place with 47.1 penalties going into the final phase on Sunday.
